Over 250 people attended the annual MARC (Milam Adult Resource Center) Halloween Party at the Patterson Civic Center Thursday and enjoyed a spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings.
The Reporter spoke to Ann King, president of the MARC Center Board about the history of the party.
Reporter When did the MARC Center start having the Halloween Party
K i n g : Good question. I got involved with the MARC Center in 1983, but the party had been going on for several years prior. Probably at least 40 years. The party was originally held at the VFW Hall. I t later moved to the New Salem Clubhouse, then, because of the attendance, finally moved to the Patterson Civic Center.
Reporter How did cities other than Rockdale become involved?
King: I n an effort to partner with the schools in the county to let them know there was a program after high school for special needs graduates, we started inviting Rockdale, Cameron, Milano and Thorndale high school self contained classes hoping that they would want to be a part of the MARC Center after graduation.
Rockdale and Cameron still participate and bring their high school and middle school students.
Caldwell I SD found out about our Halloween party and their middle school and high school students have come for the past few years. The adult day programs from Lexington and Giddings started coming a few years ago.
A couple of people who were originally at the MARC Center are in foster homes in Giddings and Lexington so it is fun for our consumers to see their friends at the party.
Reporter: There was so much excitement when the football players and other high school students arrived. How did they become involved with the party
K i n g : One day I had a conversation with Coach eff Miller about the MARC Center and he wanted the athletes to broaden their knowledge of people in the community who had special challenges in their life.
Coach Miller and staff, the Rockdale Tiger team and the cheerleaders started coming about six years ago.
They come during their athletic period and lunchtime so they do not miss any classroom time.
The cheerleaders come to the MARC Center every fall for a pep rally and lunch. This year they are coming November 14.
When we start talking about Halloween and the PDU party, the first tues0 tions I get from the consumers at the Center is, are the football players coming? " The first year the athletes came they were a little reluctant to participate but now they come and are ready to go when the music starts.
Reporter: What do you think makes the party so successful
King: One thing for sure is D Michael Craig. Hiring him was the best decision we ever made.
He does a great job of keeping it lively with everyone’s favorite tunes.
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